For over three decades, Brigid Graham has dedicated her personal and professional life to improving the lives of children in the Pacific Northwest. Her career in community service, development, and philanthropy is a testament to her deep commitment to equity, health, and opportunity for all kids. Whether leading fundraising efforts or launching initiatives to support under-resourced youth, Graham’s work has left an indelible mark on the Seattle area.

In 2006, NBA Hall of Fame coach Lenny Wilkens asked her to helm the Lenny Wilkens Foundation. For the next 15 years, Graham worked alongside Wilkens and a host of pro athletes and local icons to raise over $16 million to benefit one nonprofit: the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic. The Clinic, located in Seattle’s Central District, provides comprehensive and culturally relevant healthcare to children from birth through young adulthood, regardless of their ability to pay.

Under Graham’s leadership, the Lenny Wilkens Foundation became the gold standard for community impact. She collaborated with sports legends such as Charles Barkley, Magic Johnson, Bill Walton, Richard Sherman, K.J. Wright, Pete Carroll, Jamal Crawford, and Luke Willson, as well as Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses fame. Together they helped expand the clinic’s services and funded a new state-of-the-art center. This new facility ensures that families across Seattle and beyond have access to quality healthcare delivered with dignity.

The partnership with the Odessa Brown Clinic was more than just a professional endeavor for Graham—it was a personal mission. "Every child deserves a chance to thrive," says Graham, emphasizing her belief in the transformative power of accessible healthcare. Her ability to connect people, inspire generosity, and mobilize resources created impact that will benefit generations - now and into the future.

Graham's work with the Lenny Wilkens Foundation concluded in 2021 as the Foundation successfully met its goals and sunsetted its operations. However, her passion for helping children didn’t wane. She stepped into the role of interim Executive Director for the Bellevue Schools Foundation during the COVID-19 pandemic, a critical time when students and families faced unprecedented challenges. Graham provided steady leadership and innovative solutions to support education during a period of immense uncertainty.

Now, partnering with the 180 Foundation, Graham is turning her focus to a new venture called Game On!, an initiative aimed at breaking down financial barriers to youth sports participation. Recognizing that the cost of sports equipment and uniforms can be prohibitive, particularly for historically under-resourced families, Game On! is working to ensure every child has the opportunity to play. From lacrosse and football to swimming and soccer, the steep price of gear often sidelines kids from these valuable experiences. Through partnerships with athletes and athletic wear companies, Graham’s project will provide brand-new equipment and uniforms, leveling the playing field so all children can participate.

“Youth sports aren’t just about competition,” Graham explains. “They teach teamwork, discipline, friendship, and resilience. They get kids off screens and into environments where they can grow, both physically and mentally.” By addressing the financial barriers to entry, her latest project is inspired by her belief in the power of sports to shape young lives positively.

Brigid is also excited about the growing roster of Game On! Ambassadors — a group of well-known athletes and public figures who support and help amplify the mission of Game On! So far, their inspiring lineup includes Jen Mueller (Sports Broadcaster and Founder of Talk Sporty to Me), Julian Love (American Professional Football Safety for the Seattle Seahawks), Angie Mentink (In-Game Color Specialist for ROOT Sports Seattle Mariners), Duff McKagan (Legendary Bassist, Bestselling Author, and Founding Member of Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver), and the Seattle Storm (American Professional Basketball Team). Their involvement adds incredible energy, visibility, and passion to the Game On! community.

At home, Graham and her husband Bob, a former IBM executive, have built a strong family foundation. They raised three children—Amy, Megan, and Brian—who now have families of their own. As proud grandparents to four granddaughters—Sophia, Skylar, Scarlett, and Lana—the Grahams continue to invest in the next generation, both personally and professionally.

Brigid’s life is a portrait of service, driven by a desire to create opportunities for children and families across the Pacific Northwest. Her ability to rally communities, form impactful partnerships, and turn vision into reality has made her a beacon of hope for countless families. Whether she’s fundraising for a healthcare clinic, leading an education foundation, or ensuring kids have access to sports, Graham’s dedication shines through in every endeavor.

As she embarks on her new venture with Game On! and the 180 Foundation, Graham remains steadfast in her mission. Her career trajectory is a reminder of the profound difference one person can make when they channel their energy, expertise, and heart into building a better future for others. For Brigid Graham, that future is one where every child has the resources they need to thrive—in their health, on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.